Oil from a crashed drone tank in Chornomorsk created a 400-meter-long slick in the sea

Inspectors of the State Ecological Inspectorate of the Southwestern District found a 400-by-200-meter oil slick in the Black Sea, which was caused by a Russian drone hitting a tank in the port of Chornomorsk in Odesa region.

This was reported by the press service of the inspection.

On April 26, 2026, the infrastructure of the Chornomorsk seaport was damaged as a result of the shelling of the city of Chornomorsk. A 6,000-ton sunflower oil tank was destroyed in the fire. The services of USPA's Chornomorsk branch promptly localized the consequences of the accident. Barriers were installed on the territory to contain the spill, and the storm drain was blocked to prevent the residual products from entering the water environment.

Government inspectors inspected the site during their visit. No soil contamination was found as the site is covered with concrete. At the same time, an oil leak into the port water area was detected. Booms were deployed to contain the spill.

The inspection took samples of seawater for laboratory tests. The results of the analyzes will help determine the actual level of pollution and prepare a damage estimate. The final assessment of the damage to the marine environment caused by the armed aggression will be made after the full amount of necessary data is received.

In early 2026, environmentalist Vladyslav Balinsky said that the 2026 beach season in Odesa could be jeopardized by the effects of Black Sea pollution with vegetable oil.

Earlier, experts noted that the direct toxicological risk to humans is usually low, but it is worth avoiding contact with oily spots on the water and in the sand and being careful on slippery areas of the coast. Therefore, if there is no new pollution, the likelihood of a significant impact on the season is low, but final conclusions can only be made based on the results of observations in the coming months.

A fire broke out in the Pivdennyi port in Odesa region on December 22 as a result of a Russian army strike on the region, setting about 30 containers of flour and vegetable oil on fire.

Кирило Бойко